₦airaland Forum

Chiemeriee:
Tonlagha: The Bridge Between Promise And Fulfillment

By Tunde Shode

Nigeria is a land of immense promise perpetually in pursuit of its fulfilment. The chasm between the two has often been widened by distrust, inequality, and missed opportunities. Matthew Tonlagha has dedicated his life to being a bridge—a dynamic, multifaceted connector who spans divides and creates passages where none seemed to exist.

His personal narrative is itself a bridge from limitation to liberation. The frail child who could not walk built, within his soul, a mighty causeway of willpower that carried him from dependency to leadership. He is a living testament that our greatest disabilities can become the foundations for our most profound abilities, connecting a challenging past to a triumphant future.

His early years were a personal dusk, a struggle against the shadow of physical limitation. But within him burned a spark—kindled by a mother’s love and his own fierce spirit—that refused to be extinguished. This spark, fanned by determination, has grown into a lantern he now carries high for all to see. It is the light of possibility, proving that origins and obstacles do not define destiny.

In the Niger Delta, he built a crucial economic bridge. MATON Engineering serves as a vital link between the region’s vast human capital and the formal, empowering economy. It connects raw talent to skilled profession, idle hands to productive work, and local communities to the mainstream of national development. He bridged the gap between grievance and gainful engagement, demonstrating that corporate success and community development are not opposite banks of a river, but can be seamlessly joined.

His role in corporate-community relations, beginning with his selection to engage with Chevron, cast him early as a bridge of trust. In an environment often characterized by mutual suspicion between oil companies and host communities, Tonlagha earned the credibility to stand in the middle. He could translate concerns, align interests, and foster understanding—a rare and precious skill that turns potential conflict into potential collaboration.

His patriotic intervention in oil security was an act of building a bridge of sovereignty. When critical national assets were being plundered, the connection between the nation’s resources and its treasury was severed. The work of Tantita, with Tonlagha’s involvement, repaired that bridge, reconnecting Nigeria’s wealth to its people’s welfare. It was a daring feat of engineering on a national scale.

His philanthropy is a network of bridges of hope. Each scholarship is a bridge from a village to a university. Each vocational programme is a bridge from hopelessness to self-reliance. Each act of kindness to the vulnerable is a bridge from despair to dignity. He builds these crossings not as grand, distant monuments, but as personal, accessible paths for individuals to traverse.

Even his international advocacy is bridge-building on a geopolitical scale. By initiating dialogue with a Washington firm, he seeks to strengthen the transatlantic bridge between Nigeria and the United States, fostering stronger ties, better policy understanding, and mutual respect. He uses his influence to ensure the traffic on this bridge flows both ways, carrying opportunities back to Nigeria.

Matthew Tonlagha is more than a successful man; he is an illuminator. He carries the light of resilience, enterprise, security, compassion, and global relevance. In a time when many curse the darkness, he chooses to light a candle—indeed, many candles—and in doing so, he challenges every one of us to find our own fuel, our own wick, and contribute our own glow to the magnificent, collective radiance of a Nigeria fulfilled.

Thus, Matthew Tonlagha is the quintessential connector. He spans the gap between poverty and prosperity, between community and corporation, between vulnerability and security, and between Nigeria and the world. He teaches us that the most critical infrastructure for any nation is not made of steel and concrete alone, but of goodwill, courage, and a steadfast commitment to bringing people and possibilities together. In celebrating him, we celebrate the power of connection itself.

Dawson126:
Good afternoon sir,

I think your uncle submissions might be valid but nor be God. God knows the best and His supremacy cannot be questioned. For the foregoing, your objective is just two things: Get admitted into a medical school and be able to cater for the expenses
1. RSU is in your village, your people might be connected to one or two persons who could help with admissions considering the fact that you're from the state. If you're there, feeding is a lot catered for and since you've known the ground quite well, seeing one or two things to do wouldn't be difficult. School fees? Your family members, if there are supportive o, will at least cater for something. Nelfund self go drop
2. FUL: I would have said you've dull yourself. You served there, at least you would have used hands of men mixed with prayers to gain favour that short time especially with people in authority there, people that could move things o, like the provost or college secretary, then find your way in even if it's 100L. Accreditation will still come provided the school is serious, I doubt if FUL haven't gotten it already. That school has at least resources on ground. Forget all these I serve there kinda things. I am attending medical school in the LGA I served a year after and omor, even corp members posted there new or people I senior, na sir and ma. Like play play, I don dey clinicals. One of those guys dey write JAMB this year as him eyes don open
FUL school fees is relatively cheap and the town self go cheap cos all these northern areas, nelfund go help and little they give at home will supplement, you will quickly adapt cos you've been there for a while. Competitions would have been lesser before they got accreditation, if they have already o
UNILORIN: not a bad idea too but omor that school and competitions en but nothing is impossible for God

Foremost, go write JAMB fess, that one nor go wait for you at all, put school wey catchment areas cath you while you figure things out. Make sure you do the exams cos I think you can convert UTME to DE later so that incase if later na UTME 100L be way, you won't be pained and if na DE later sure, you just convert. Find out more info. Dey try your leg for FUL, if it later work, you just enter straight, if family assure say Dem go support for RSU, nothing do you, if na Unical latter hit your objectives and assurance or other ones in SE, nothing go do you, if later you're not sure, check all these new medical schools that already have students in 300L and awaiting accreditation, ensure they've done NUC's but waiting for MDCN's, get info from their students regarding seriousness and resources on ground and that you're sure they are admitting for that academic session, then put those ones later with COC and institution. By the time they have the accreditation, the competition of the next academic session you would have escaped it. Make sure you're sure they are admitting for that year

If that one nor work, check all these new medical schools that people might not know well, maybe this year jamb self na their second set, put am enter, once it's affordable to what you and your family could carry. Accreditation will come provided resources dey ground. One self dey Kafatchan and Dem don get buildings already

Meanwhile this year wey remain, learn skill even if na to learn phone repair, that one go help you hold body for medical school and not much capital required regarding shop, you fit dey your room dey handle students phone

Lastly, pray, pray, pray that God order your steps and give you favour. Nor joke with God o

fergie001:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nilwdNkp-g (40' Mark)

Seyi Makinde during the presentation of the 2026 Budget of Economy Expansion

Peppermaster:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1E6UpfrZST/

BlessedGift:
https://dailypost.ng/2025/10/29/drama-as-shaibu-omobayo-clash-at-former-deputy-govs-forum/

Interesting15:
On October 10th, 2025, I returned to my alma mater, the University of Ibadan, to deliver a lecture at the annual "Black History" event organized by the History Department. This year's theme was "Black Power and the Celebration of African Heritage," and I spoke on "Utilizing History and Your Natural Abilities to Get Ahead in Today's Society."

Here is a modified transcript of my speech:

"It is a well-known fact that one of the reasons we learn history and study the past, is to beautify our lives in the present. Those of the past lived in a different society from ours today, but indeed our lives are interconnected in different ways.

In 2018, I was a 100-level student at the Ibadan School of History, and I vividly remember sitting somewhere in this very hall during the first Black History event I attended. In my set, I was among the few who deliberately chose History when applying for admission—though I still can't fully explain why, as I could have pursued Law with my impressive JAMB score.

Many others were only dumped to the department because they couldn't meet up with the cut off mark for courses like law, political science, etc. They wondered what they could possibly do with a History degree in today's competitive Nigeria, believing their peers in disciplines like Medicine, Nursing, or Engineering had a clear advantage

Now, since we know that history always repeat itself, I'm sure there are people here who have the same thoughts. The response I will give you is that studying History will gift you these three invaluable skills and characteristics, amongst others, that can be utilised to forge ahead in life and be ahead of several others in society:

1. An Analytical Mind
2. An Excellent Creative thinker
3. An Excellent Researcher.

Many young people in our society today lack these three qualities. If you allow history to shape you, you will embody all three—and you will find yourself ahead of the curve.

Let me share a case study from my NYSC experience. Even before registering, I took time to analyze the scheme and discovered it offers a fair platform that anyone can leverage to excel. I learned that distinguishing yourself across the four major pillars of NYSC could earn you a Local Government Chairman's Award, followed by a State Government Award, ultimately making you eligible for Presidential Honours. I researched past award winners, reached out to some of them, and learned from their experiences.

During my service year, I incorporated creativity into every activity on the NYSC platform. On the day of my Passing Out Parade, I was honored with both the Lokoja Local Government Chairman's Award and the Kogi State Government Award, making me eligible for Presidential Honours.

I want to complement all I have said with admonishing you to also utilise your natural abilities, known as talents, to get ahead in life.

A case study to consider, Ladi Kwali. Her story is a powerful example of natural talent and creativity,

Ladi Kwali (1925–1984) was a Nigerian potter from Kwali, Abuja, whose natural artistic gift transformed traditional pottery into a globally celebrated art form. Born into a region where the craft was a common one among women, Ladi discovered early in life that she had a unique ability to mold clay into graceful, balanced, and decorative forms. Without formal education or technical training, she relied on her natural intuition, observation, and creativity to shape clay into vessels that were both functional and artistically beautiful.

Her skill in hand-building pots—especially water jars and cooking vessels—quickly gained her local recognition. What made Ladi stand out was her attention to detail and artistic imagination. She often decorated her pots with intricate geometric and animal designs that reflected local culture and storytelling traditions. These artistic touches gave her work a distinct identity, making her pieces sought after even before she gained national fame.

Her breakthrough came when British potter Michael Cardew, who established the Abuja Pottery Training Centre in the 1950s, discovered her talent. Impressed by her craftsmanship and natural flair for design, he invited her to join the center. There, Ladi learned modern pottery techniques such as wheel-throwing and glazing—skills she combined with her indigenous knowledge. This fusion of traditional African art and Western methods made her work stand out internationally.

Her pieces were later exhibited in London and across Europe, earning her international acclaim. She became Nigeria’s first globally recognized female potter and was featured on the Nigerian ₦20 note—an honor that immortalized her legacy. Despite the challenges women faced in her time, Ladi Kwali’s natural ability, discipline, and willingness to learn helped her excel in a male-dominated and colonially influenced society.

But what can we learn from Ladi Kwali’s journey today?

Lesson 1: Natural Talent Is Just the Beginning

Ladi Kwali was naturally gifted, but she didn’t stop there. She kept learning, improving, and mastering her craft. Whatever your talent — whether it’s art, writing, music, or leadership — don’t rely on it alone. Work hard to refine it. Talent opens the door, but discipline keeps you in the room.

Lesson 2: Value Your Culture

Ladi’s art was deeply rooted in her African heritage. She showed that our traditions and stories are treasures, not obstacles. In a world that often pushes us to copy others, she reminds us to stay original and proud of who we are.

Lesson 3: Hard Work and Humility Bring Success

She didn’t achieve fame overnight. Her rise came through years of dedication and consistency. Her humility also helped her learn from others, including those from different backgrounds. Hard work, patience, and humility never go out of style.

Lesson 4: Women Can Break Barriers

At a time when women had limited opportunities, Ladi Kwali became a national and international icon. She proved that gender is never a barrier to greatness. Her story tells every young girl here: You can achieve anything if you believe in yourself and develop your abilities.

Lesson 5: Creativity Has No Boundaries

Ladi’s creativity transformed simple clay into art that touched the world. She reminds us that greatness can come from the simplest things — if we use our imagination and passion.

In conclusion, Ladi Kwali’s life is not just the story of a potter. It’s the story of what happens when natural talent meets determination, learning, and vision. She used her hands to shape clay — and in doing so, she shaped history. Her legacy encourages each of us to discover, develop, and use our own creative gifts to make a difference in our communities and in the world.

So today, I leave you with this question:
If Ladi Kwali could use her natural abilities to make global impact with just clay and creativity, what can you do with your own gifts?

Thank you.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sunday-akanni-moshood-8138b033b_on-october-10th-2025-i-returned-to-my-alma-activity-7387552802715160576-h1DO?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&rcm=ACoAAFViT48BYmS0hSdbIMnZk6ZZW6Tz-LwwmBc

prophetfire:
That school has been having accreditation issues. It's unfortunate that a federal university could be this shitty.

FreeStuffsNG:
Lobatan.

This is a lesson to everyone choosing schools with jamb cut off marks of 140 out of 400

fergie001:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcM2J11oOBA

Henry Seriake Dickson
Senator, Bayelsa West Senatorial District & Immediate Past Governor of Bayelsa State

malali:
Mathematics Is a Lifeline, Not a Luxury

Dropping Mathematics as a requirement for arts and humanities students may look like inclusion, but in reality, it’s intellectual disarmament.

Math isn’t just about numbers. It’s the language of logic, structure, and critical thinking, the very foundation of coherent thought, debate, and disciplined reasoning that the humanities thrive on.

Every field, from economics, law, and linguistics to philosophy and music, is quietly underpinned by mathematical reasoning: pattern, proportion, structure, rhythm, and evidence-based argument.

To remove Math is to unplug an entire generation from analytical literacy. You may raise enrollment figures, yes, but you lower the nation’s cognitive baseline.

If Nigeria truly wants to compete globally, we should be strengthening Mathematics education, not treating it as optional for those “not gifted with numbers.” That mindset fuels mediocrity.

Great civilizations didn’t grow by lowering the bar, they rose by raising competence and investing in skill mastery.

Obavoh:
The Rules and Regulations in this house is too much.

1. We must call the Landlord and Landlady Daddy&Mummy.

2. Wake up by 5.30AM for Compound Devotion.

3. Each room will take turn to sweep compound and wash toilet/bathroom. You must clean and sweep morning, afternoon and evening.

4. We must not fry palm oil inside kitchen because Daddy Landlord’s wife has asthma. Even if mummy Landlady is not in the compound, don’t fry palm oil !

5. We are not allowed to cook with gas, only kerosene or charcoal.

6. Daddy Landlord will use his special padlock to lock the gate by 9.00PM. God help you if you’re not inside the house by that time, you will knock and Landlord family will not open. No Tenant has spare key.

7. I am sharing the room with my wife and 7 children. I cannot be romantic to my wife in the room so my wife and I started bathing together early in the morning.
Daddy Landlord called compound meeting to harass my wife and I because of this.

8. No playing of worldly music in the compound. No loud sound at all. Your television set volume should be very low. My children cannot laugh or play in the compound.

My biggest regret is that I paid 1½ Year rent because I was desperate to rent a house for my family and no Landlord wanted to accommodate a family of 9. We still have 8 months until the rent expires.

I am currently working in another town but my wife is always complaining about Daddy&Mummy Landlord. My children are not happy in that house. If not for bandits, I would have moved them back to the village.

nlfpmod:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2025/10/breaking-faith-disqualified-from-bbnaija-season-10/amp/

Racoon:
@it_Rutie
https://x.com/it_Rutie/status/1968921456546296086?t=_2Ai35ZJyvvimMd7si-kIA&s=19[/quote]Michael Jackson is the most famous amongst them all.

pocohantas:
But I never said she didn't.
Yea, Natasha seems better.
At some point they said same about Annie.
Take care...

ruggedtimi:
I disagree with you on the main reason you stated above why Okrika is tagged Mother deck/Cairo. The Iceland gang regards Okrika as their central stronghold, largely due to the influential presence of Ateke Tom. Across the Niger Delta, Iceland members treat Okrika as a kind of pilgrimage site because of Ateke and prominent Iceland nationals based there.

They hold regular meetings in Okrika, which has become a safe haven for them. Currently, Okrika is considered the most peaceful Local Government Area in Rivers State, primarily because it is under the control of a single gang, with no active rivalries. Even some rival gang members from Okrika show respect and pay homage to Ateke Tom.

mt77:
The kind of comments coming from public office holders and aspiring office holders is appalling. This doesn't show class at all. The brand of politics some naija people play is rather likened to what is obtain able at the motor park . Totally bereft of issue based discussion.

IzunnaOkafor:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFvIkk8RLrQ?si=uze-8OFQ0tw4lG14

By Izunna Okafor, Awka



https://onyokomita.com/ekwunife-blasts-soludo-calls-him-the-dirtiest-governor-in-west-africa-advises/

Daejumong:
Rev Akindayomi and a very young Pastor Adeboye! It is difficult to see selfless men of God like this now! He handed over to Pastor Adeboye despite the fact he could have transferred power to his wife,children or in-laws! He also didn’t put his family in top positions in the church.

He allowed God to choose and not his emotions and human tendencies! His selfless decision birthed a global church which is one of the biggest in the world. God bless him.

Dae Jumong 7/9/25

Toruibestate:
People even created that WhatsApp platform till they catch the idiots and evil ladies.

thatigboman:
the address on the billboard says KELGA. Which LGA is that?

Mopolchi:
This Daniel Levy is a hard business man; tough to deal with. It is good to know that he has stepped down but he made Tottenham Hotspurs what they are now.

CoronaVirusPro:
Tiwa kills anything!

That lady is damn too dynamic. Hey lyrical prowess and delivery is exceptional and practically next to none.

Now I know why His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) is a big fan of her music.

AngelSlay:
You’re 28, just finished NYSC, and honestly—it’s normal to feel confused at this stage. A lot of people don’t admit it, but the transition after service year can be very overwhelming. The good news is, you already have what most fresh graduates don’t—600k in savings and a skill (graphic design). That’s a solid foundation.

Here’s some advice that can help you move forward without feeling stuck:

1. Don’t rush into using your 600k
That money is your cushion. If you pour it all into a business you don’t fully understand yet, or into an expensive tech course, you might end up stranded. For now, keep it safe as your “peace of mind” fund.

2. Maximize what you already know
You said you have graphic design skills. Instead of discarding it because it doesn’t pay much now, think of ways to scale it. For example:

Learn branding & UI design (they pay higher than just flyers/posters).

- Create a portfolio online and start reaching out to small businesses who need branding.

- Offer “design + social media” packages to businesses that don’t know how to present themselves online.
Sometimes, it’s not about learning a totally new skill, but deepening the one you already have.

3. If you want to switch into tech, do it smartly
Many tech skills (UI/UX, product design, digital marketing, data analysis) don’t require you to pay 400k+ for training. There are affordable courses on Coursera, Udemy, or even YouTube that can get you started. Later, when you’re sure of the path, you can invest in a structured program.

4. Use your money as leverage, not the main tool
Instead of thinking “what business can I start with 600k?”, think: “What skill can I grow that will make people pay me repeatedly?” Skills are assets that pay forever, businesses can collapse if you don’t have experience.

Your money should support you while you grow your earning power, not disappear into trial-and-error businesses.

5. Give yourself clarity, not pressure
You don’t need to have everything figured out immediately. Take 2–3 months to explore—deepening design, learning an adjacent tech skill, freelancing. From there, you’ll see clearer where to go.

Simple Roadmap You Can Try Now

Keep your 600k intact.

Start freelancing more aggressively with your design (expand into branding, UI design).

Dedicate a portion of your time (2–3 hours daily) to learning a tech-related skill online for cheap.

By 6–12 months, you’ll either:
a) Be earning more from design, or
b) Have transitioned into a higher-paying tech path with little financial stress.

Bro, you’re not behind. You just need clarity and consistency. If you treat your skills like seeds and water them daily, you’ll look back in a year and be glad you didn’t waste that 600k chasing quick wins.

nisekoi:
I just got a job at the Onne terminal and I'm moving from Lagos. Need help finding a place to rent.

I'm a single woman, so my biggest concerns are:
1. Security: A safe area with good lighting is a must.
2. Proximity: I don't have a car, so I need to be relatively close to the terminal
3. Electricity: Need somewhere with very good light as I run an online business

Based on that, what areas should I be focusing on?

Any specific suggestions or places to avoid would be hugely appreciated.

Truvelisback:
Good day, fellas. Guys, pls, leave teaching jobs for ladies or married women if you can especially, in private schools. If you want to be a man, do so except you are a government school teacher. The pay won't take you anywhere. Surviving with teaching job now is now very, very hard especially in this current regime. I'm sorry if this thread hurt your feelings but it is the gospel truth. I feel for teachers. Nlfpm

Omicron007:


DON'T MIND HATERS ON THIS THREAD WHO HAVE NOT RECOVERED FIVE YEARS LATER.

LAYCON WON IN THE MOST COMPETITIVE SEASON IN THE HISTORY OF THE FRANCHISE ON NIGERIA.

HE COMPETED AGAINST SERIAL REALITY TV MATERIALS.

THAT SEASON HAD PHENOMENAL HOUSEMATES WHO WERE GOOD IN THEIR CRAFT, STRATEGY, GAME PLAY, BEAUTY, SMARTNESS AND WHATEVER YARDSTICK YOU WANT TO USE TO MEASURE THEM.

LAYCON WON BY MAJORITY VOTES AND TOPPED THE CHARTS EVERY OTHER WEEK.

HE WAS THE LIFE OF THE PARTY, NOT JUST INTELLIGENT. HE WON TASKS. WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT FROM HIM?

NO OTHER WINNER HAS BEEN ABLE TO MATCH HIM AND THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT.

THE BANDWAGON CHOSE THE RIGHT GUY FOR THE FIRST AND ONLY TIME.

alphonsoolajide:
https://eyesoflagos.com/without-music-i-couldve-been-a-fraudster-or-oil-thief-burna-boy-opens-up-on-life-without-fame/

God1000:
https://punchng.com/cameroon-court-rejects-bid-to-block-biya-from-re-election/?

brain54:
In no particular order...

Neuer Manuel, David DE Gea and indulge me to add Buffon!